So my MC gets abused by his parents and other trusted friends and family throughout this book (or series depending on how far the plot goes) but I’m having difficulty varying the abuse. Can you give me some ideas on different things I can use. So far he’s been insulted, whipped and mocked. He’s also been told lies about how worthless he is and told everything is his fault, ect.
I’m also wondering how many times he can get abused without readers getting annoyed/frustrated. I can share a basic summary of the plot if need be as well.
I think it’s totally okay to have your characters go through hard things. However, instead of asking if readers would get annoyed, I would ask what the purpose of the character being abused so harshly is.
Is it pulling together your themes? Is it pulling out your conflicts? Or is it just trauma for trauma’s sake?
Each part of your story needs to do work for the overall story. Does each scene of abuse add to the overall themes, plot, conflicts, and characters in the story?
🙂 I would also think about what your main character wants and values the most, then find ways to take that away from him.
I hope this helps!
Oh my goodness, Alli just hit on a powerful way to continue it and give it purpose. After a scene ends can you have the character say or think something like, “At least I have my _______.”? Then that is your next target. Again, this would have to align with your purpose for taking them down further.
One more thing: I’m not comfortable with showing sexual abuse. Physical, mental, or emotional only. I just remembered that I should add that. I don’t feel comfortable even reading it a lot of the time even if it’s shown as being wrong. I’m just sensitive that way. I also should mention that this is a YA novel. So I do have some detail but nothing gory because I don’t like that type of thing either.